GROWMARK announces executive leadership team retirements and appointments

GROWMARK announced the appointment of Brad Drake, Jeff Lynch, Matt Lurkins, and Karmy Kays to key roles on the company’s Executive Leadership Team, effective January 2, 2025. These appointments follow the announced retirements of Wade Mittelstadt, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Barry Schmidt, Executive Vice President, Retail Business; and Bill Covey, Executive Vice President & General Counsel. With over 100 years of combined experience in the GROWMARK System, they have provided invaluable contributions in shaping the growth and success of GROWMARK. As Brad Drake, Jeff Lynch, Matt Lurkins, and Karmy Kays transition into their new roles, GROWMARK is positioned to build on this foundation of leadership excellence.

Brad Drake will take on the role of Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, overseeing GROWMARK’s wholesale business, logistics, and marketing functions. Since joining GROWMARK in 2008, Brad has held diverse roles in Finance, IT, Crop Protection, and MID-CO COMMODITIES. Currently serving as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Brad has been instrumental in shaping GROWMARK’s financial strategy. He holds a business degree with a concentration in accounting and management from Trinity International University and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Illinois State University. Brad also has his Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant designations.

Jeff Lynch will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Retail Business, with oversight of GROWMARK’s eight retail divisions. Since joining GROWMARK in 2004, Jeff has demonstrated leadership in Finance, Agronomy, and Grain, most recently serving as Vice President, Retail Business & Strategic Relationship Lead, where he directed GROWMARK’s Iowa growth strategy. Jeff is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in math and risk management with an MBA from the University of Illinois.

Matt Lurkins has accepted the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Grain. In addition to overseeing GROWMARK’s legal functions, he will continue to drive strategy in the grain division. Since joining GROWMARK in 2012 as Senior Staff Attorney, Matt’s leadership has extended to roles including Executive Director of Acquisition/Business Development and Vice President, Grain & Strategic Relationships Lead. Matt is a Southern Illinois University graduate with a bachelor’s in finance and a Juris Doctor degree.

Karmy Kays will step into the role of Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, leading the Finance and IT divisions. With over a decade of experience at GROWMARK in Finance, Member Resources, and the Energy division, Karmy has most recently served as Treasurer, overseeing corporate funds, financing, budgets, and risk management for the enterprise. Karmy holds a bachelor’s degree in risk management from Illinois Wesleyan University and an MBA from Illinois State University. 

As Brad, Jeff, Matt, and Karmy prepare to take on their new roles, they will collaborate closely Mittelstadt, Schmidt, and Covey to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. This new team is well-positioned to guide GROWMARK’s strategic direction, delivering exceptional value and experience to our member-owners.